Observatories
South Mountain HQ
South Mountain HQ is where most meetings are held as well as the monthly Star Parties. This site has the Grady Planetarium, Robson Library, and 3 permanent observatories for members to use.
Grady Planetarium
The Grady Planetarium comes equipped with a Spitz A3P planetarium projector and a unique feature where the dome will lower to simulate a natural horizon. The projector was donated to us by Kutztown University.
Knecht Observatory
The Knecht Observatory is attached directly to the main building while still being accessed from outside. The dome is powered by an electric motor for easy observation. This observatory was the first built at South Mountain.
Warden Observatory
The Warden Observatory is one of two roll-off roof observatories that LVAAS owns. This observatory also features an accurate sundial. The Warden Observatory is special for having the most access to the sky for both scope use and stargazing.
Brooks Observatory
The Brooks Observatory is a dome observatory at South Mountain. This observatory also features an electric dome and slit for easy observation. This observatory holds the most powerful and modern scope at South Mountain..
6'' F15 Refractor
The 6'', F15 refractor with a 2280mm focal length is optimal for planetary and lunar observing. It rides on a motorized equatorial mount to track the night sky. This scope is equipped with a Hydrogen-alpha telescope and white light filter for solar observation.
12.5'' Reflector
The 12.5'' diameter and 1905mm focal length at F6 makes this reflector a great telescope for amateur astronomers. This scope is mounted on a motorized equatorial mount to track the sky. One unique feature is the entire tube rotates in the mount for easier access to the eyepiece.
14'' Meade LX200 SCT
The Meade 14'' Schmidt-Cassegrain is a deep sky observation scope with a 3556mm focal length at F10. This scope features full Go-To control to find any object in the night sky and track it. This is the most powerful scope at South Mountain.